Today flowed along like warm honey in the sunshine: sparkling gold, smooth and sweet. Before the gang got here, I decided to make an effort to pay more attention to the boys. The last time they were here, Gab about drove me nuts trying to get my attention. So, when Emelie announced that they were walking on the road, just about to the house, I put on a happy face and prepared myself to speak in joyous tones.
It wasn't necessary. When I saw Frederick, then Gab, come through the door, a genuine happiness rode roughshod over my fake one. I was glad to see them. We played, went swimming, studied, sang, ate, swam again, played some more and just generally enjoyed each other's company immensely. Stephanie was singing up a storm while dividing her time between cooking, cleaning and watching the kid. Shane peed twice on the floor and made us all laugh with her baby antics. Once, when I was singing, she sang out in accompaniment with all the strength her little lungs could muster.
The day was filled with happy noises, laughter and music. Plumb wore me out, so I took a long nap in the middle of it all. When I awoke, I found the two boys sacked out, unconscious to the world, in the other bedroom. Emelie had threatened them: no nap, no coming with us to the shop - our internet cafe - to play games on the computers. A punishment to rival the medieval rack.
Boyish delights. Young woman's dreams. A baby's innocent explorations. And behind it all, my wife's quiet and strong presence, watching her flock like a seasoned shepherdess while taking care of household business.
So it went.And here I am,basking in the satisfied feeling that comes when a near-perfect day announces itself, in retrospect, during a quiet evening's reflection.
No comments:
Post a Comment